Saturday, September 4, 2010

3rd Annual Peterson Mt. Watatic Hike

Hikers: Andrew, my sisters Susan and Barbara, Barbara's grandson Christian, my brother Rick and his wife Donna and their grand-nieces Chanda and Jordan, and Dad. OliBear chose to stay home with Mom.

3rd annual: This was the Peterson clan's 3rd ascent of Mt. Watatic. 2008 was in September, a beautiful day. 2009 was in October but it was windy and cold at the top. This year, although it was hot, there was a nice breeze a the top.

If you live in the northeast MA area and have never done this hike, SHAME ON YOU! It is a very reasonable climb, going up about 600 feet and 1.2 miles. At the true summit, there are great views of Mt. Monadnock but DO NOT stop there, head over to the treeless secondary peak and enjoy 270 degrees of beautiful scenery. Pack Monadnock, Mt. Wachusett, the Pawtuckaway hills, Blue Hill and the Boston skyline are easily seen.

The main trail up Mt. Watatic is the Wapack Trail. In its entirety it runs from North Pack Monadnock to Mt Watatic, about 21 miles. From there the MidState Trail provides a trail across MA to the RI border in Douglas, MA.